From Bethesda Magazine: What you need to host a winning game night 

Thoughtful essentials are available at local stores

By Carolyn Weber

July 8, 2026 3:00 p.m. | Updated: July 2, 2026 2:25 p.m.

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Good Bones

If dominoes is your family’s game, invest in a beautiful set to enjoy and display. The Luxe El Tren (Mexican Train) double-12 set includes 91 two-tone, tournament-size tiles. A chic acrylic storage box features a handsome solid walnut sliding lid that doubles as a playing console and holds eight colored markers. $300 at Crate & Barrel, 4820 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-364-6100, crateandbarrel.com

Bright Idea 

Shed a little light on nighttime game parties with this diminutive lamp that won’t take up much space or interrupt play. It’s cordless, has a rechargeable battery, an LED bulb and is good-looking, with an antique brass-finished base and a white pleated shade. Lightweight and portable, it’s 14 inches tall, has three settings and comes with a USB-C charging cable. $59.99 at World Market, 12266 Rockville Pike (Federal Plaza), Rockville, 301-816-2480, worldmarket.com 

Super Setup 

The Riviera Étoile Game Table measures 36 inches square, which is perfect for four players. It has a wood frame and a handwoven rattan and resin top with a tempered glass inlay. The matching bistro chairs are available in four color combinations: white/natural, coastal blue/natural, olive/natural and earth/natural. $1,398 for just the table and $2,698 for a table and four chairs at Serena & Lily, 7121 Bethesda Lane (Bethesda Row), Bethesda, 240-531-1839, serenaandlily.com

Solid Foundation

A mahjong mat is a must-have for regular players. It provides a defined play area, helps with noise reduction and protects tabletops. This Serengeti mat is adorned with a whimsical jungle-inspired design. It measures 33-by-33-inches, has a smooth, easy-to-clean neoprene surface and comes rolled in a canvas drawstring bag. $90 at Red Orchard, 10259 Old Georgetown Road (Shops at Wildwood), Bethesda, 301-571-7333, redorchard.com

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On the Side

Crumbs or a spilled drink will put a damper on the party, so set the hors d’oeuvres and cocktails aside on a sweet and stylish little table. A scallop-edged marble top makes the Flower accent table a unique piece. It’s small but sturdy, made of steel, aluminum, fiberboard and marble with an antique brass finish on the base. $199 at Pottery Barn, 4750 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 301-654-1598, potterybarn.com

Backgammon Is Back

This centuries-old pastime is regaining popularity, so get into the game with this set by Addison Ross. It’s elegant and decorative, with mother-of-pearl chips, leather-and-suede shakers and a sleek lacquered exterior. Choose from several colors and patterns, including floral, plaid and orange (shown). $325 at Anthropologie, 4801 Bethesda Ave. (Bethesda Row), Bethesda, 240-345-9413, anthropologie.com 

This appears in the July/August 2026 issue of Bethesda Magazine.

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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine